Motorcycle Support

ABSTRACT

A portable, lightweight collapsible motorcycle stand and method of use is presented. The motorcycle stand comprises a platform, two support members rotatably affixed to opposite outer edges of the platform, and a shelf for storing tools and the like. The shelf reversible affixes to cross bars located on the two support members. The shelf is removable, thereby enabling collapsing of the motorcycle stand. The shelf is secure to the collapsed stand via shelf hooks and the entire apparatus is lock into a collapsed position through use of a cross bar hook. Alternate embodiments and their method of use are provided as well.

I. TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to stands for supporting motorcycles and,more particularly to a lightweight, portable, collapsible motorcyclestand enabling easy access to components of a motorcycle.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

Motorcycle maintenance or repair requires that, in most instances, themotorcycle be in an upright position with its varied and many componentsaccessible to the mechanic. Storing or displaying a motorcycle alsorequires the motorcycle to be in an upright position. Of course, thismust be done such that the motorcycle is stable so as to prevent it fromtilting or falling thereby causing damage to the motorcycle or injury toa bystander. Often times an external support mechanism is used forplacing the motorcycle into proper position.

While useful in many settings, the use of a support is of particularimportance in motorcycle racing as racing motorcycles generally do nothave kickstands and cannot, therefore, stand on their own. Also, it isoften required that racing motorcycles be quickly placed into anaccessible, upright raised position so that repairs can be made duringthe course of an event. A support stand should ideally also be compact,lightweight, and portable as space is limited and time is of the essencein the racing environment. It s also important that tools be easilyaccessible and not become misplaced.

There have been several attempts to create a suitable motorcycle supportdevice. However, the prior art attempts are not with their shortcomings.Prior art solutions are either too bulky, too heavy, unstable, or notportable enough to be of ultimate benefit to a mechanic, particularly inracing. Further, prior art stands do not allow for the storage of toolson the stand.

Accordingly, there is need for a lightweight, collapsible, and portablemotorcycle stand that enables quick deployment and access to the loweraspects of a motorcycle while also providing a compact profile forstorage. Further, such a device would provide for the storage of toolsand other items required to repair or maintain a motorcycle. Such adevice is provided for in the disclosed invention.

III. OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portablemotorcycle stand that is collapsible thereby providing a compactprofile.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a motorcyclestand that is lightweight yet durable.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide amotorcycle stand that enables access to the lower aspect of amotorcycle.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide amotorcycle stand that provides a stable support to a motorcycle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a motorcyclestand that is easy to use and can be deployed quickly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a motorcyclestand that provides for the storage of items.

An advantage of the present invention is that it enables a user toquickly deploy the stand and mount a motorcycle in a stable fashion.

It is yet a further advantage of the present invention that such amotorcycle stand is collapsible provides a compact profile yet isportable.

It is yet a further advantage of the present invention that such amotorcycle stand will be lightweight yet durable and strong.

It is yet a further advantage of such a motorcycle stand that it willenable a user to store tools or other items on the stand while in adeployed position.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objects and advantages are provided for in the inventivecollapsible motorcycle stand (also referred to throughout as“apparatus”). In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is made of ahard, durable plastic; however, any lightweight, durable, rigid materialcan ne used. The apparatus comprises a platform adapted to receive twosupport members which can move freely within platform support memberreceptacles. The platform is generally a rectangular shape (including asquare). Each support member further including a cross bar, the crossbars further adapted to receive a shelf. The cross bar of the firstsupport member is adapted to accept one end of the shelf in a hinge andthe cross bar of the second support member is adapted to receive theother end of the shelf in a reversible hooking mechanism. The shelf isdesigned for holding tools and other items and may optionally includeone or more containers for holding tools or other items. The first endof the shelf rotatably affixes to the first support member cross bar viathe hinge and the second end of the shelf reversibly affixes to thesecond support member cross bar via the hooking mechanism.

To deploy the apparatus from a collapsed position into an open, usableposition, a user places the collapsed apparatus in a vertical positionand applies horizontal force to the platform, thereby moving theplatform to a horizontal position. This, in turn, causes the supportmembers, which can move freely about their respective platform supportmember receptacles, to remain in an essentially vertical position;however, the support members are moved a distance from one another on ahorizontal plane as a result of the platform moving to a horizontalposition. The shelf is then rotated about its hinge on the first supportmember cross bar and locked into a horizontal working position using thehooking mechanism of the second end of the shelf.

In an alternate embodiment, the shelf is a two-piece member furthercomprised of a first section and a second section, the first and secondsections being connected to one another via a leaf hinge and, further,the first end of the shelf and the second end of the shelf are rotatablyaffixed to the support member cross bars via two additional leaf hinges.It should be noted that while a leaf hinge is used in the description,those skilled in the arts will appreciate that any type of hinge can beused, including but not limited to a piano hinge or a living hinge.

In this alternate embodiment, two two-piece hinged cross bar membersextend horizontally between the support members, one cross bar member oneach side of the apparatus. In this embodiment, the apparatus is alsodeployed from a collapsed position by exerting horizontal force on theplatform so that it comes to rest in a horizontal position. Likewise,the support member swing freely, maintaining an essentially verticalposition. As the support members part from one another, the two-pieceshelf unfolds to a horizontal position while the hinged cross barmembers also unfold to a vertical open position. The hinged cross barmembers then locked into position.

In another alternate embodiment, the apparatus comprises a top(platform) section that is further comprised of a first section and asecond section, the first and second sections being connected to oneanother via a hinge.

The top further includes a handle, the handle comprising a circular cutout, half of which is contained within the first section and half ofwhich is contained in the second section and further including aninterior space, the handle further including a semi-circular liftingmember of a size such that it nestles into the cut out, the liftingmember being rotatably affixed to the first section in the interiorspace of the cut out. Additionally, the upper surface of the top willpreferably include a non-slip surface feature.

Rotatably attached to opposite outer edges of the top parallel with thetop hinge are first and second rigid members. These members furtherinclude a top edge and a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a secondlateral edge. First and second rigid members are affixed to the top viaa hinge.

The apparatus further includes a first collapsible support member and asecond collapsible support member. Each of the support members iscomprised of support member first portion and a support member secondportion, the first support member portion and the second support memberportion being joined via a hinge. The first collapsible support memberis then rotatably affixed to the first lateral edge of the first rigidmember and the second lateral edge of the second rigid member. Thesecond collapsible support member is similarly affixed to the oppositelateral edges of the second and first lateral edges of the first andsecond rigid members. Thus, with respect to the top, the rigid memberare rotatably affixed to opposite outer edges of the top parallel to thehinge in the top. The first and second collapsible support members beingaffixed to the first and second rigid members adjacent to the outeredges of the top and perpendicular to the top hinge.

When in an open position (described below), the angle created by thefirst rigid member top edge and the bottom edge with respect to the topis greater than 90 degrees and the angle created by the second rigidmember top edge and the bottom edge with respect to the top is greaterthan 90 degrees, the angles created by the first rigid member and thesecond rigid member being equal to one another.

Viewed from the top, the first collapsible support member and the secondcollapsible support member open to a position wherein a concave angle(with respect to the top) is created. The angle provides additionalstability and support strength not seen in the prior art. Also viewedfrom the top, first and second collapsible support members create anangle from their respective top edges and bottom edge with respect tothe top is greater than 90 degrees, the angles created by the firstcollapsible support member and the second collapsible support memberbeing equal to one another.

To use the apparatus a user exerts downward force on the top such thatthe first section and the second section rotate about the hinge to ahorizontal position and the first and second collapsible support membersrotate about their hinge to a flat position such that the second outeredge and the fourth outer edge of the top come to rest on the top edgeof the first collapsible support member and second collapsible supportmember, respectively. Alternatively, a user could exert outward pressureon the hinges of the first and second collapsible support members,thereby causing the top to unfold into position.

When in an open, usable position, the top unfolds into a flat surface asdo the first and second collapsible support members. The outer edges ofthe top adjacent to the first and second collapsible support membersrest on the upper edges of the support members. Thus a stable workingplatform is created.

There has been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features ofthe invention in order that the detailed description thereof thatfollows may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafterand that will form the subject matter of the invention.

V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rigid member showing a honeycombing moldingtechnique.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view illustrating the hooking mechanismof the shelf in the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the apparatus in a collapsedposition.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the inventiveapparatus including a two-piece shelf and support member cross bars.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the inventiveapparatus in a partially collapsed position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the inventiveapparatus in a further partially collapsed position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the inventiveapparatus in a collapsed position.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a second alternate embodiment ofthe inventive apparatus in an open position.

FIG. 11 a side perspective view of the inventive apparatus in an openposition.

FIG. 12 is a partial exploded view of a rigid member being affixed tothe top.

FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the rigid members in an attachedopen position without the collapsible members in place.

FIG. 14 is a partial exploded view illustrating first collapsible firstportion being affixed to a lateral edge of a rigid member.

FIG. 15 is a partial view of first collapsible support member attachedto the lateral edges of the rigid members and the first collapsiblesupport member hinge in a detached position.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the inventive apparatus in an openposition.

FIG. 17 is a partial exploded view of a top portion illustrating thehandle cutout and a detached lifting member.

FIG. 18 illustrates the inventive apparatus in a collapsed position.

FIG. 19 illustrates a plate for use as an insert in the inventiveapparatus

FIG. 20 is a perspective view an alternate embodiment of the inventiveapparatus depicting the plate inserted into position.

VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Before explaining the preferred embodiment of the present invention indetail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limitedin its application to the details of formulations and arrangements ofthe components set forth in the following description. The presentinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. It is also to beunderstood that where ranges are provided for the various agents anddrug examples, they are approximate ranges and are not to be limitingexcept where noted otherwise. It should also be noted that throughoutthe specification references made to horizontal and vertical assume theapparatus is in an open position and positioned upright with respect tothe ground.

Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, apparatus 20 is depicted in an open position.As a generally matter, apparatus 20 is made of a rigid lightweightmaterial. In the preferred embodiment it is made of a hard, durableplastic. Apparatus weight is maintained at about seven pounds to about12 pounds, thereby reducing weight over the prior art by as much as 50%while providing increased reliability, stability, and accessibility.Molding techniques, such as the honeycomb configuration 121 depicted inFIG. 3 add additional strength to apparatus 120 without addingsignificant weight. Plastic is also resistant to bending and providessignificant resistance to fracture, deformation and fatigue. Inaddition, plastic offers unparalleled strength per apparatus weight,which, using the inventive design enables, support of about 500 pounds,including motorcycle and rider. The use of plastic also enablesrecycling of the material at the end of the apparatus life cycle.

Apparatus 120 includes platform 122, a generally square or rectanglemember having an essentially flat upper surface 124 and an essentiallyvertical wall 126 about its perimeter. Platform 122 further includescutout 128 located in its center which may be used as a handle or as asupport stabilizer for a motorcycle. Using plastic molding processesthat include injection molding enable a manufacturer to also include asofter material so as to create a non-skid surface as is seen inPlatform 122 non-skid surface 130. This option feature adds to theversatility of the inventive apparatus as it provides additionalstability to a mounted motorcycle and, if molded directly into theplatform 122 will keep manufacturing costs down as the non-skid surfacedoes not need to be added at a later time.

Platform 122 further includes four support member receptacles located inwall 126, a first receptacle 132, 132 a (seen in FIG. 4) and a secondreceptacle 134, 134 a (seen in FIG. 5) located along the expanse of wall126, each receptacle located near the edge of the expanse of wall 126.Finally, platform 122 may include cross bar hook 136 extending in adownwardly direction (from a horizontal positioned platform) from wall126 on an expanse perpendicular to those wall 126 expanses containingsupport receptacles.

Rotatably mounted into the support receptacles are first support member138 and second support member 140. Support members 138, 140 have a baseportion 142, 142 a, a first lateral portion 144, 144 a, a second lateralportion 146, 146 a, a first upper horizontal arm 148, 148 a, and asecond upper horizontal arm 150, 150 a (seen in FIG. 2). Support members138, 140 are rotatably mounted to platform 122 through the insertion offirst upper horizontal arm 148, 148 a, and second upper horizontal arm150, 150 a into support receptacles 132, 132 a, 134, 134 a. Traversingsupport member from first lateral portion 144 to second lateral portion146 is cross bar 152 and traversing support member from first lateralportion 144 a to second lateral portion 146 a is cross bar 154. Crossbars 152, 152 a provide additional stability and strength to apparatus120 and also serve to affix shelf 156 into place (described below).

Shelf 156 is a single piece member having a first end 158 and a secondend 160 that, when in an open position, extends from cross bar 152 tocross bar 154. Shelf 156 is designed to add stability and strength toapparatus 120 and, further, to hold tools and other items that aredeemed necessary by a user. To facilitate securing of tools and otheritems, shelf 156 may optionally include containers 162.

Shelf 156 is affixed to apparatus 120 via a locking mechanismarrangement. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, cross bar 152, 152 a includes atleast one shelf hook receptor 164, 164 a adapted to receive shelf hook166, 166 a located on first end 158 and second end 160 of shelf 156. Thereversible connection created at this junction enables shelf 156 to besecured into place and to further maintain apparatus 120 in a solid,stable position.

To collapse apparatus 120, a user snaps shelf 156 from the lockingmechanism created by shelf hook receptor 164, 164 a and shelf hook 166,166 a. Vertical force is then exerted on platform 122, thereby causingsupport members 138, 140 to move towards one another.

Turning to FIG. 5, apparatus 120 is depicted in a collapsed position.Shelf 156 has been removed as described above and placed in a stowedposition, secured in place by shelf locks 168, 168 a. Apparatus 120 isheld securely in a collapsed position by cross bar hook 136 which issnapped into position on cross bar 152 a.

Turning to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of inventive apparatus 120 isshown. The scope and spirit of the invention are maintained. In thisembodiment, however, apparatus 120 is modified such that shelf 156 is atwo-piece member (shelf 156 is now labeled 256 in this embodiment)having a first section 258 and a second section 260. First section 258and second section 260 are connected to one another via first hinge 262.

Platform 122 is also slightly modified such that support memberreceptacles 148 a, 150 a have an opening 264, 264 a in their loweraspects in wall 126. This modification is for the purpose of acceptingsecond support member 140 which is modified such that first horizontalarm 148 a and second horizontal arm 150 a are replaced with upperhorizontal portion 266 which extend the entire horizontal expanse fromlateral portion 144 a to lateral portion 146 a.

Shelf 256 is rotatably affixed to cross bars 152, 152 a wherein firstsection 258 is rotatably connected to cross bar 152 via second hinge 268and second section 260 is connected to cross bar 152 a via third hinge270.

Apparatus 120 further includes secondary cross bars 272, 272 a which aretwo-piece members having secondary first section 274, 274 a andsecondary second section 274, 274 a joined together at fourth hinge 278,278 a.

In this embodiment, shelf 256 remains attached to apparatus 120 in boththe collapsed position and the open position. In use in this embodiment,and turning to FIG. 7, to collapse apparatus 120, upward force isexerted on platform 122 to release upper horizontal portion 266 fromopening 264. Downward force is then applied to shelf 256 whilesimultaneously applying inward pressure on secondary cross bars 272, 272a at fourth hinge 278, 278 a (FIG. 8). As is seen in FIG. 8, this, inturn, causes apparatus to 120 to collapse into a folded position.Deploying apparatus 120 to an open position is accomplished by reversingthem above steps.

Turning to FIG. 10, another alternate embodiment of the invention isdepicted in a front perspective view of inventive apparatus 120 in anopen position is illustrated. Apparatus 120 further includes top 322,which further comprises a first section 324, and a second section 326,the first section and second section are connected to one another via afirst hinge 328 (better seen in FIG. 11). The top has a perimeter beingdefined by a first outer edge 330, a second outer edge 332, a thirdouter edge 334, and a fourth outer 336. Top 322 is generally edge eachof which is of a predetermined length. Top 320 is generally of a squareconfiguration but any rectangle configuration will work within the scopeof the invention. Top 322 may optionally include non-skid surface 38.

Also seen in FIG. 10 are first rigid member 430 and second rigid member342, each of which further include a top edge 344, 344 a and a bottomedge 346,346 a (better seen in FIG. 11), a first lateral edge 348, 348 aand a second lateral edge 350 (better seen in FIG. 11), 350 a, the firstrigid member 340 being connected to the first section 324 via secondhinge 352 along the length of the first outer edge 330 and second rigidmember 342 connected to the second section 326 via third hinge 352 aalong the length of the third outer edge 334. FIG. 12 illustrate firstrigid member 340 detached from top 322 and showing the manner in whichit is positioned wherein rigid member 340 is snapped into first outeredge 330. Turning to FIG. 12, both rigid member 340 and rigid member 342are seen in an attached open position.

Turning to FIG. 12, first collapsible support member 354 furthercomprising a first collapsible support member first portion 356 and afirst collapsible support member second portion 358, the firstcollapsible support member first portion 356 and the first collapsiblesupport member second portion 358 being connected to one another viafourth hinge 360, first collapsible support member 354 further having afirst collapsible support member first lateral edge 362, a firstcollapsible support member second lateral edge 364, a first collapsiblesupport member top edge 366 and a first collapsible support memberbottom edge 368. First collapsible support member first lateral edge 362is rotatably connected to second lateral edge 348 a of the first rigidmember 340 and the first collapsible support member second lateral edge364 is rotatably connected to a lateral edge 350 of the second rigidmember. Turning to FIG. 14, the attachment of first collapsible supportmember 354 first portion 356 to first rigid member 340 can be seenwherein first portion 356 is shown detached at fifth hinge 368.

Second collapsible support member 370 (best seen in FIG. 16) isconfigured and positioned similarly to first collapsible support member354 on the opposite side, adjacent top outer edge 334, and includes asecond collapsible support member first portion 372 and a secondcollapsible support member second portion 374, sixth hinge 376, secondcollapsible support member first lateral edge 378, a second collapsiblesupport member second lateral edge 380, a second collapsible supportmember top edge 382 (not seen in FIG. 16) and a second collapsiblesupport member bottom edge 384. Attachment for second collapsiblesupport member is identical to that first collapsible support 354 onlyit is done on the opposite side adjacent outer edge 334.

Returning to FIG. 11, top 22 further can optionally include a handle386. Handle 86 comprises a circular cut out 388, half of which iscontained within first section 324 and half of which is contained in thesecond section 326 and encompasses an interior space (not numbered).Turning to FIG. 16, the handle further including a semi-circular liftingmember 390 of a size such that it nestles into the cut out. Cutout 388further includes wall 392 and floor 394 into which lifting member 390rotatably fits and rests when not in use.

It can be seen in the various figures that each of rigid members 340,342 and collapsible support member 354, 370 include an interior spaceincluding a cross bar (identified as 402 on a representative cross bar.Using a single representation is done for clarity and it should beunderstood that each rigid member and each collapsible member alsoinclude similar features for similar reason). An interior space resultsin a reduction of weight while cross bar 402 provides additionalstrength. Those skilled in the arts will understand that the rigidmembers and the collapsible members could be solid or include a varyingnumber of cross bars and be within the scope and spirit of theinvention.

Returning to FIG. 16, it is seen that when apparatus 120 is in an openposition, the angle created by the first rigid member 340 top edge 344and bottom edge 346 with respect to top 230 is greater than 90 degreesand the angle created by the second rigid 342 member top edge 344 a andbottom edge 346 a than 90 degrees, the angles created by first rigidmember 340 and second rigid member 342 being equal to one another.Likewise, the angle created by the first collapsible support member 354top edge 366 and the bottom edge 368 with respect to top 322 is greaterthan 90 degrees and the angle created by the second collapsible supportmember 370 top edge 382 and the bottom edge 384 with respect to top 322is greater than 90 degrees, the angles created by the first collapsiblesupport member 354 and the second collapsible support member 370 beingequal to one another.

Also in FIG. 16 it is seen that when apparatus 120 is in an openposition, first collapsible support member 354 and second collapsiblesupport member 370 open to a position wherein a concave angle is createdwith respect to top 322. This angle provides apparatus with additional,significant stabilization and support that is not seen or taught in theprior art. The angle can vary in degree depending on the size andconfiguration of top 320, and overall height of apparatus 120. As thoseskilled in the arts will appreciate, the angle will be dictated by thosefactors. The inventor has found, however, that the concave angle will bein a range of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees.

Further, when in an open position, and referring to FIG. 15, top 320includes knob 396 which sets into cradle 398 of first collapsiblesupporting member first portion 356. Likewise, the opposite side whereintop 322 rests on second collapsible supporting member 370 there is asimilar configuration (knob 400 can be seen in FIG. 16). Thisconfiguration of protrusion and cradle serve to lock apparatus 120 intoplace while in an open position, thereby providing additional safety,stability, and strength.

In use, to place inventive apparatus 120 in an open, usable position,downward force is exerted on top 322 such that first section 324 andsecond section 326 rotate about hinge 328 to a horizontal position.Simultaneously, the first collapsible support member 54 and secondcollapsible support member 370 rotate about hinges 360, 376,respectively, to a concave position with respect to top 322 such thatthe second outer edge 334 and the fourth outer edge 336 of top 322 cometo rest along top edges 364, 380 of the first collapsible support member54 and second collapsible support member 370, respectively. When in afully opened position, knobs 96, 400 rest in cradle 98 and thecorresponding cradle of second collapsible support member 370 (notshown).

Once apparatus has been used and is to be stowed, and as illustrated inFIG. 17, apparatus 20 can be collapsed by exerting upward force on top22 by using handle lift 90 such that first section 24 and the secondsection 26 rotate about hinge 28 in an upwardly direction to a collapsedposition and first collapsible support member 54 and second collapsiblesupport member 70 rotate about their hinges 60, 76 in an inwardlydirection to a folded position.

Apparatus 120 can also include a plate inserted into the area formed inthe various embodiment support members. Plate 402 is depicted in FIG.18. Plate 402 is sized so that it is of a depth 404 essentially equal tothe thickness of the lateral portions and above the cross bars (as seenin FIG. 20). Plate 402 is secured with snaps 406, 406 a, 406 b whichsnap into place on the backside of the lateral portions 144, 144 a 146,146 a and the crossbars 152, 152 a. Plate 402 provides a surface 408 canbe used to include indicia 410 that identifies or advertises, asdesired.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerouscharacteristics and advantages of the preferred and alternativeembodiments have been set forth in the foregoing description, togetherwith details of the structure and function of the embodiments, thedisclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detailwithin the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated bythe broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims areexpressed.

10. A collapsible motorcycle stand comprising: a platform; a firstsupport member and a second support member rotatably affixed to theplatform, the first and second support members each further including atleast one cross bar; a shelf adapted to be reversibly affixed to the atleast one cross bar; and a removable plate that reversibly affixes tothe support members, the plate for enabling the addition of indicia. 21.A method for using a collapsible motorcycle stand comprising the stepsof: Providing a motorcycle stand comprising a platform having agenerally rectangular shape, a vertical wall encompassing the perimeterof the generally rectangular shape, at least four support memberreceptacles located in the wall; at least two support members, the atleast two support members further comprising a first lateral portion, asecond lateral portion, a bottom portion, and a first horizontal arm anda second horizontal arm, the first and second horizontal arms beingadapted to rotatably mount to the support member receptacles, and atleast one cross bar extending from the first lateral portion to thesecond lateral portion, the cross bars further including at least oneshelf hook receiver; and, a shelf having a first end and a second end,the first end and second end further including at least one hook forreversibly joining to the shelf hook receivers; exerting downward forceon the platform to bring it to a horizontal position; and, inserting theshelf hooks into the shelf hook receivers.
 22. The method of claim 21including the further steps of: disengaging the shelf hooks from theshelf hook receivers; position the shelf over a support member; securingthe shelf by affixing it to a shelf lock located on at least one of thecross bars;
 23. The method of claim 21 including the further step ofsecuring the motorcycle stand in a collapsed position by snapping across bar hook located on the platform to a cross bar.
 24. A motorcyclestand comprising: a platform having a generally rectangular shape, avertical wall encompassing the perimeter of the generally rectangularshape, the wall having an upper limit and a lower limit, at least foursupport member receptacles located in the wall, including two enclosedsupport members being enclosed and located on opposite sides of theplatform across from one another, and two open support memberreceptacles further having a bottom aspect that includes an openingthrough the lower limit of the wall, the two support member receptaclesbeing located on opposites sides of the platform across from oneanother; a support member further comprising a first lateral portion, asecond lateral portion, a bottom portion, and a first horizontal arm anda second horizontal arm, the first and second horizontal arms beingadapted to rotatably mount to the enclosed support member receptacles; asupport member further comprising a first lateral portion, a secondlateral portion, a bottom portion, and an upper horizontal portion, theupper horizontal portion adapted to insert into the opening of thebottom aspect of the enclosed support members; at least one cross barextending from each support member first lateral portion to the secondlateral portion, the cross bars further including a hinge section; ashelf, the shelf further comprising a first section and a secondsection, each of which has an outer edge and an inner edge, the firstand section sections joined together via a first hinge adjacent theirinner edges, the shelf being rotatably joined to the cross bars via asecond hinge and a third hinge adjacent their outer edges, the secondand third hinges being formed though the joining of the cross bar hingesection and complementary hinge sections located on the shelf outeredges; and, at least two secondary cross bars, the secondary cross barsrotatably attached to the first and second lateral portions via verticalhinges, the secondary cross bars further being two piece members beingjoined to one another via a fifth hinge.
 25. The motorcycle stand ofclaim 24 wherein the shelf further includes containers for holding toolsor other items.
 26. The collapsible motorcycle stand of claim 24 whereinthe platform further includes a non-skid surface.
 27. The motorcyclestand of claim 24 comprising a lightweight, durable material.
 28. Thelightweight material of claim 27 being plastic.
 29. The plastic of claim28 being molded to include a honeycomb pattern to decrease weight andincrease strength.
 30. The motorcycle stand of claim 24 wherein onecross bar further includes at least one shelf lock for holding the shelfin place in a collapsed position.
 31. The motorcycle stand of claim 24wherein the platform further includes cross bar hook for securing themotorcycle stand in a collapsed position.
 32. The motorcycle stand ofclaim 24 further including a removable plate that reversibly affixes tothe support members, the plate for enabling the addition of indicia. 33.The motorcycle stand of claim 24 wherein the rectangular shape of theplatform includes a square.
 34. A motorcycle stand comprising: a topsection, the top section further comprising a first section and a secondsection, the first section and second section connected to one anothervia a hinge, the top section further having a perimeter being defined bya first outer edge, a second outer edge, a third outer edge, and afourth outer edge each of which is of a predetermined length; a firstrigid member further having a top edge and a bottom edge, a firstlateral edge and a second lateral edge, the first rigid member connectedto the first section via a hinge along the length of the first outeredge and a second rigid member further having a top edge and a bottomedge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the second rigidmember connected to the second section via a hinge along the length ofthe third outer edge; a first collapsible support member furthercomprising a first collapsible support member first portion and a firstcollapsible support member second portion, the first collapsible supportmember first portion and the first collapsible support member secondportion being connected to one another via a hinge, the firstcollapsible support member further having a first collapsible supportmember first lateral edge, a first collapsible support member secondlateral edge, a first collapsible support member top edge and a firstcollapsible support member bottom edge, the first collapsible supportmember first edge being connected to a lateral edge of the first rigidmember and the first collapsible support member second lateral edgebeing connected to a lateral edge of the second rigid member; and asecond collapsible support member further comprising a secondcollapsible support member first portion and a second collapsiblesupport member second portion, the second collapsible support memberfirst portion and the second support collapsible member second portionbeing connected to one another via a hinge, the second collapsiblesupport member further having a second collapsible support member firstlateral edge, a second collapsible support member second lateral edge, asecond collapsible support member top edge and a second collapsiblesupport member bottom edge, the second collapsible support member firstedge being connected to a lateral edge of the first rigid member and thesecond collapsible support member second lateral edge being connected toa lateral edge of the second rigid member.
 35. The motorcycle support ofclaim 34 further comprising a handle located in the top.
 36. The handleof claim 35 further comprising a circular cut out, half of which iscontained within the first section and half of which is contained in thesecond section and further including an interior space, the handlefurther including a semi-circular lifting member of a size such that itnestles into the cut out, the lifting member being rotatably affixed tothe first section in the interior space of the cut out.
 37. Themotorcycle stand of claim 34 being made of a rigid material.
 38. Therigid material of claim 37 being plastic.
 39. The motorcycle stand ofclaim 34 wherein the top includes a non-slip surface.
 40. The motorcyclestand of claim 34 wherein an angle is created by the first rigid membertop edge and the bottom edge with respect to the top that is greaterthan 90 degrees and an angle is created by the second rigid member topedge and the bottom edge with respect to the top that is greater than 90degrees, the angles created by the first rigid member and the secondrigid member being equal to one another, and an angle is created by thefirst collapsible support member top edge and the bottom edge withrespect to the top that is greater than 90 degrees and an angle createdis by the second collapsible support member top edge and the bottom edgewith respect to the top that is greater than 90 degrees, the anglescreated by the first collapsible support member and the secondcollapsible support member being equal to one another.
 41. Themotorcycle stand of claim 34 wherein the first collapsible supportmember and the second collapsible support member open to a positionwherein a concave angle is created with respect to the top.
 42. Themotorcycle stand of claim 41 wherein the angle is in a range of about 5degrees to about 45 degrees.
 43. The motorcycle stand of claim 34further comprising a locking mechanism including a knob extending in adownwardly direction from the top when in an open position and a cradlelocated adjacent to the protrusion in a collapsible support member, thecradle adapted to receive the knob.
 44. A portable, collapsiblemotorcycle stand for use in maintaining or repairing motorcyclescomprising: a top section, the top section further comprising a firstsection and a second section, the first section and second sectionconnected to one another via a hinge, the top section further having aperimeter being defined by a first outer edge, a second outer edge, athird outer edge, and a fourth outer edge each of which is of apredetermined length; a first rigid member further having a top edge anda bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the firstrigid member connected to the first section via a hinge along the lengthof the first outer edge and a second rigid member further having a topedge and a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge,the second rigid member connected to the second section via a hingealong the length of the third outer edge, the first rigid member and thesecond rigid member each further including an interior area, theinterior area being formed by the first and second rigid member top edgeand a bottom edge, first lateral edge and second lateral edge,respectively, the interior area further including a cross member; afirst collapsible support member further comprising a first collapsiblesupport member first portion and a first collapsible support membersecond portion, the first collapsible support member first portion andthe first collapsible support member second portion being connected toone another via a hinge, the first collapsible support member furtherhaving a first collapsible support member first lateral edge, a firstcollapsible support member second lateral edge, a first collapsiblesupport member top edge and a first collapsible support member bottomedge, the first collapsible support member first edge being connected toa lateral edge of the first rigid member and the first collapsiblesupport member second lateral edge being connected to a lateral edge ofthe second rigid member; a second collapsible support member furthercomprising a second collapsible support member first portion and asecond collapsible support member second portion, the second collapsiblesupport member first portion and the second collapsible support membersecond portion being connected to one another via a hinge, the secondcollapsible support member further having a second collapsible supportmember first lateral edge, a second collapsible support member secondlateral edge, a second collapsible support member top edge and a secondcollapsible support member bottom edge, the second collapsible supportmember first edge being connected to a lateral edge of the first rigidmember and the second collapsible support member second lateral edgebeing connected to a lateral edge of the second rigid member; and thefirst portion and second portion of the first and second collapsiblesupport members each further including an interior area, the interiorarea being formed by the first lateral edge, second lateral edge, topedge and bottom edge, respectively, the interior area further includinga cross member.
 45. The motorcycle support of claim 44 furthercomprising a handle located in the top.
 46. The handle of claim 45further comprising a circular cut out, half of which is contained withinthe first section and half of which is contained in the second sectionand further including an interior space, the handle further including asemi-circular lifting member of a size such that it nestles into the cutout, the lifting member being rotatably affixed to the first section inthe interior space of the cut out.
 47. The motorcycle stand of claim 44being made of a rigid material.
 48. The rigid material of claim 47 beingplastic.
 49. The motorcycle stand of claim 44 wherein the top includes anon-slip surface.
 50. The motorcycle stand of claim 44 wherein an angleis created by the first rigid member top edge and the bottom edge withrespect to the top that is greater than 90 degrees and an angle iscreated by the second rigid member top edge and the bottom edge withrespect to the top that is greater than 90 degrees, the angles createdby the first rigid member and the second rigid member being equal to oneanother, and an angle is created by the first collapsible support membertop edge and the bottom edge with respect to the top that is greaterthan 90 degrees and an angle created is by the second collapsiblesupport member top edge and the bottom edge with respect to the top thatis greater than 90 degrees, the angles created by the first collapsiblesupport member and the second collapsible support member being equal toone another.
 51. The motorcycle stand of claim 44 wherein the firstcollapsible support member and the second collapsible support memberopen to a position wherein a concave angle is created with respect tothe top.
 52. The concave angle of claim 51 wherein the angle is in arange of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees.
 53. The motorcycle standof claim 44 further comprising a locking mechanism including a knobextending in a downwardly direction from the top when in an openposition and a cradle located adjacent to the protrusion in acollapsible support member, the cradle adapted to receive the knob. 54.A method using a portable, collapsible motorcycle stand comprising thesteps of: providing a motorcycle stand in a collapsed positioncomprising a top section, the top section further comprising a firstsection and a second section, the first section and second sectionconnected to one another via a hinge, the top section further having aperimeter being defined by a first outer edge, a second outer edge, athird outer edge, and a fourth outer edge each of which is of apredetermined length; a first rigid member further having a top edge anda bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the firstrigid member connected to the first section via a hinge along the lengthof the first outer edge and a second rigid member further having a topedge and a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge,the second rigid member connected to the second section via a hingealong the length of the third outer edge; a first collapsible supportmember further comprising a first collapsible support member firstportion and a first collapsible support member second portion, the firstcollapsible support member first portion and the first collapsiblesupport member second portion being connected to one another via ahinge, the first collapsible support member further having a firstcollapsible support member first lateral edge, a first collapsiblesupport member second lateral edge, a first collapsible support membertop edge and a first collapsible support member bottom edge, the firstcollapsible support member first edge being connected to a lateral edgeof the first rigid member and the first collapsible support membersecond lateral edge being connected to a lateral edge of the secondrigid member; a second collapsible support member further comprising asecond collapsible support member first portion and a second collapsiblesupport member second portion, the second collapsible support memberfirst portion and the second collapsible support member second portionbeing connected to one another via a hinge, the second collapsiblesupport member further having a second collapsible support member firstlateral edge, a second collapsible support member second lateral edge, asecond collapsible support member top edge and a second supportcollapsible member bottom edge, the second collapsible support memberfirst edge being connected to a lateral edge of the first rigid memberand the second collapsible support member second lateral edge beingconnected to a lateral edge of the second rigid member, and a handlelocated in the top; uncollapsing the motorcycle stand into an openposition by exerting downward force on the top such that the firstsection and the second section rotate about the hinge to a horizontalposition and the first and second collapsible support members rotateabout their hinge to a flat position such that the second outer edge andthe fourth outer edge of the top come to rest on the top edge of thefirst collapsible support member and second collapsible support member,respectively; placing a motorcycle on the top surface; repairing,maintaining, or storing the motorcycle on the top of the motorcyclestand; removing the motorcycle from the top of the motorcycle stand; andcollapsing the motorcycle stand by exerting upward force on the top byusing the handle such that the first section and the second sectionrotate about the hinge to a collapsed position and the first and secondcollapsible support members rotate about their hinge to a foldedposition.
 55. A method for using a motorcycle stand comprising the stepsof: providing a motorcycle stand comprising a platform having agenerally rectangular shape, a vertical wall encompassing the perimeterof the generally rectangular shape, the wall having an upper limit and alower limit, at least four support member receptacles located in thewall, including two enclosed support members being enclosed and locatedon opposite sides of the platform across from one another, and two opensupport member receptacles further having a bottom aspect that includesan opening through the lower limit of the wall, the two support memberreceptacles being located on opposites sides of the platform across fromone another; a support member further comprising a first lateralportion, a second lateral portion, a bottom portion, and a firsthorizontal arm and a second horizontal arm, the first and secondhorizontal arms being adapted to rotatably mount to the enclosed supportmember receptacles; a support member further comprising a first lateralportion, a second lateral portion, a bottom portion, and an upperhorizontal portion, the upper horizontal portion adapted to insert intothe opening of the bottom aspect of the enclosed support members; atleast one cross bar extending from each support member first lateralportion to the second lateral portion, the cross bars further includinga hinge section; a shelf, the shelf further comprising a first sectionand a second section, each of which has an outer edge and an inner edge,the first and section sections joined together via a first hingeadjacent their inner edges, the shelf being rotatably joined to thecross bars via a second hinge and a third hinge adjacent their outeredges, the second and third hinges being formed though the joining ofthe cross bar hinge section and complementary hinge sections located onthe shelf outer edges; and, at least two secondary cross bars, thesecondary cross bars rotatably attached to the first and second lateralportions via vertical hinges, the secondary cross bars further being twopiece members being joined to one another via a fifth hinge; moving thesupport members in a direction opposite to one anther, thereby movingthe shelf and the secondary cross bars about their respective hinges toan open position; and inserting the upper horizontal member into theopen support member receptacles.